Spirits that Reside

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/26149819.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/F
Fandom: Avatar: Legend of Korra
Relationship: Korra/Asami Sato, Kuvira/Opal (Avatar)
Character: Korra (Avatar), Asami Sato, Kuvira (Avatar), Opal (Avatar), Lin Beifong,
Kya II (Avatar), Tenzin (Avatar), Pema (Avatar), Suyin Beifong, Wing
(Avatar), Wei (Avatar), Baatar Jr. (Avatar), Baatar Sr. (Avatar), Senna
(Avatar), Tonraq (Avatar), Hiroshi Sato, Eska (Avatar), Desna (Avatar)
Additional Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Korra, Alpha Kuvira (Avatar),
Alternate Universe - Shapeshifters
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2020-08-28 Updated: 2022-03-26 Chapters: 8/? Words:
14274

Spirits that Reside

by Lady_Eivor

Summary

In this AU, there are the Alphas, the Betas, and the Omegas. Its the Alphas Spirit that
begins the change within Omegas. Betas do not have the ability to ShapeShift, only Alphas
and Omegas.

Korra is a young Alpha, daughter of the Chief to the Southern Water Tribe. She is about to
take a journey as most modern born Alphas, Betas, and Omegas do, go to a Private School
for their kind. She may be the strongest upcoming Alpha in the Southern WaterTribe, but
she's got a lot to learn about what it takes to be an Alpha amongst other strong Alphas from
other parts of their world.

(Will follow different character perspectives as the story progresses)

Notes

This is my first work posted here through Ao3. Figuring things out, but hopefully I can get
my stories and ideas out there. Will try and write an actual good story all the while getting
it spicy up in here ;) I aim to please but I get crazy to create.

See the end of the work for more notes

 She's an Alpha, you gotta deal with it! (Part 1.)

The nights winds seemed to be heavier than usual, Tonraq thought to himself, as he patrolled the
Northern border of their Village that night. He liked to watch the heavy winds pick up the snow
from the ground before him and whip, rising high into the air to then gently fall back to the ground
in its unique cyclical dance. He caught himself breathing to the found rhythm as he neared the end
of his watch and made his way to his fellow tribesmen that was going to relieve him of patrol duty
for the night.

"Spotted or smelled anything unusual tonight there Chief?" the approaching Tribesman asked.

"Nah, the night seems pretty clear." Tonraq responded. "When the morning shift relieves you of
duty, be sure to remind them that we should be getting a shipment in on the docks from the
Northern Tribe, Fire Nation, and Republic City. We will also be shipping out supplies after their
arrival."

"10/4 Chief," The Tribesmen responded as he reached to assume post," You should start heading
back home, I hear Senna's expecting any day now."

"She is," Tonraq said as the stress re-entered him as the thoughts of his yet to be born child raced
through his mind.

"I remember when," said the tribesmen seeing the emotions displayed on the Chiefs usual stoic
face," I was stressed for my wife, my unborn child, worrying about any possible wrong thing that
could happen. When my boy was finally born I was both relieved and so proud to become a father,"
The tribesmen finished as he placed his hand on the shoulder of the young Chief giving him a
reassuring smile.

Tonraq nodded, smiled, and thanked him as he then began to head way toward his home. Despite
his fellow tribesmens words, deep down, Tonraq still worried about the possibilities of what could
go wrong. It was never easy bringing a child into the world, especially those of Alpha and Omega
descent.

Tonraq finally reached his home after the long walk as he cycled through all the thoughts that have
lingered in his mind these days of his wife and soon to be born child. As he approached his home,
two smells other than his wifes startled him. He instantly growled and began to run to his door
pushing out territorial Alpha pheromones before reaching his hand out to push the door open. As he
opened the door, the smell processed to his head that it was two other Omegas within his
household, in their bedroom no less. He quickly made way as another smell entered his senses. He
stopped in shock at the realization of what his senses gathered and a single tear rolled down his
cheek as he began to wear an ecstatic smile. As he entered their bedroom he was met with three
pairs of eyes, his wife's and the Village Healers Katara and her daughter Kya. They were already
looking up at him as he entered the room with smiles on their faces and a bundle being held in
Senna's arms. He approached Senna's bedside calmly and kneeled at the side of her bed.

"How are you doing sweetie? Is our little one alright as well?" Tonraq said.

"Tonraq, Senna did wonderfully as a new mother and the baby is as healthy as can be. No problems
whatsoever. It was a quick and swift delivery. We thought to send someone out for you but we
knew you'd be home soon enough." Katara got up and looked Tonraq in the eyes," I sense a strong
Alpha to be in this one," Katara finished as she waved her daughter down to leave the house for the
new familys privacy.
Tonraqs chest swelled in pride. All the worries washed away at the wave of information he was
presented with.

Once Katara and Kya audibly left their household and closed the door behind them, Senna tiredly
sat up a bit more and started to uncover some of the blankets that covered the newborn in order for
Tonraq to finally see their childs face. "Tonraq," she said in a tired and hoarse voice from the
majority of her energy spent in childbirth,"say hello to our newborn daughter, any thoughts to a
name?".

The news of his child being a girl shocked him with the information Katara had presented earlier.
Though not unheard of, it was rare for women to show as Alphas. Was Katara wrong? No, Tonraq
shook his head a bit to shake himself of his newly found thoughts and slight worries. He smiled
back at Senna," I have a name in mind...," he replied. Katara was never wrong, and everything she
stated she meant when she looked him in the eyes,"How about Korra?".

"I like that. I like that very much," Senna replied softly as she smiled back down at the newborn. "
A strong and beautiful name."

Tonraq once again smiled at them both. Pride once again enveloped in his chest. He just become a
father to a strong and healthy daughter.

*** 17 Years Later ***

Korra stood tall amongst her fellow Alpha tribesmen that morning with the sun glowing purples
and pinks on the horizon. All nine of them were lined up in front of their elders, and she could
barely contain her excitement. They all had presented not long ago, just proved their strength
within tests of Ritual Alphahood, and now they were about to go through their final test as Alphas
of their tribe. The hunt.

Its after the hunt, the last test not only as an Alpha but as a member of their tribe, to receive the
Ancient Marks on their foreheads. It meant a lot about who you are and how you presented within
the community. She could see her Father amongst the Elders eye her here and there and she could
also sense and smell his Pride for her so far accomplishments.That then fed more into her
excitement, along with the fact that this was a day she had long waited for. Everything her father
taught her about Alphahood had come into practice with hunting soon to follow. She was going to
prove that she was THE Alpha, despite being the first Alpha Woman of the Southern Water Tribe
to be seen in the past 150 years.

One of the Elders began," Last but not least we are about to begin the final and most important part
to shape you into fine Alpha members of the Southern Water Tribe!". It was at that, all nine of the
newly presented Alphas raised their fists to the skies with one huff of a "RAAAH!" and then
silenced quickly for the Elder to speak further," It is within these next few days that the spirits will
endow and reveal to you, your inner spirit that resides within for you to shape your destinies and
prove to the tribe what kind of Alpha you will be. Who will be the Trusted? Who Will be the Wise?
And Who will be the Brave? Go forth, and proceed with the Hunt." It was at that, all the young
and promising Alphas new what to do next. They had been briefed beforehand by family members
and members of the tribe of what was to come and what this next part entailed.
They needed to go out into the wilds of the Tundra, no weapons at hand, alone, and hunt down any
animal in order to shift into their inner animal for the first time. From Korra's understanding, it was
the type of animal you shifted into that would determine your Mark received by the Village Elders.
They all took off one by one running far away from the village and spreading distance between
themselves.

It was then that Korra was finally alone to her thoughts, running freely, climbing snow mounds and
mountains. Looking for areas she could take shelter when night reached along with any tracks and
signs of animals nearby. She thought on the Ancient Marks presented to the tribes Alphas
throughout many generations. Those who shifted into herd like animals such as Deer, Elk, Otters,
and Penguins were marked as the Trusted due to their strong inner sense of community. Majority
of Alphas from their tribe were marked as so. The rarer marks were the Wise and the Brave. The
wise, from what Korra knew, were those existent today who shifted into the Owls, Eagles, Foxes,
and she knew of the Orca. Its said the wise are marked so due to being enlightened and more in
touch with the spirits, healing, and far more adaptable than the others. Even rarer was the Mark of
the Brave, and there was only the snow leopard which was one of the eldest members of their tribe,
and the Kodiak Bear, her Father. The Brave marked those for leadership, endurance, and the
strong. How one came into their shifted animal was their own personal and individual story, no
story ever the same. With all that flowing throughout her mind, and no luck so far in finding any
prey, the night began to approach. Korra decided that the nice ice cave within a huge snow mound
she spotted up ahead would do nicely. She gathered what she could along the way to have a fire
ready and started for the night. Thought her blue coat made of fur along with her other fur
clothings would keep her warm, the nights in the South around this time of year were at the start of
getting even colder, so it was wise to sleep next to a fire glowing for warmth. With the knowledge
her father presented to her, and the practice she put in with their own trips, she was able to get the
fire started in no time, and her eyes began to get heavy as sleep took over her.

((DREAM))

Korra found herself walking ankle deep in snow, the beautiful array of colored lights dancing in
the clear skies above her. As she looked ahead she could see a lone fully crowned Elk belowing out
into the night, mist escaping out of its mouth along with its call. It sniffed up into the air and then
stood cold stone still as its eyes met hers. Korra could smell the fear roll off of the beautiful
antlered being and the profound smell hit her nose in waves. As soon as it did, the Elk took off
running the other way, and Korra followed as fast as she could. Thankfully the dancing lights
within the sky lit the way for her to see where the Elks silhouette within the night and snow was
placed. She reached a downhill, only to fully realize the speed gap between her and her prey. The
Elk was way too fast for her, but she pressed forward and ran after it full speed despite the odds.
Wind pushed against her and the noise of the wind crashed against her ears almost deafening her as
she continued running after her prize. She swore she could hear voices within the wind telling her
she was a failure, she was nothing without her Alphahood, to turn back while she still could. Then
they had reached a cliffside. The Elk was cornered to the end knowing its fate if it didn't begin to
fight back. It began its steps to charge back at Korra, its antlers at the ready to pierce her as its
muscular body bounded forward towards her. Korras mind began to scatter, but she held her
ground, she hoped for her change to begin at any moment but it didn't seem to come as the Elk
pressed closer and closer. Finally as soon as she held her hand up to meet and press back against
the the charging Elks antlers her vision went black.

Soon after from what her mind could fathom, amongst the purest black void she began to see light
shimmers against what she could gather was water rippling in front of her. More colorful light
began to appear suddenly to open the view before her eye. The night sky had become present again
with the light dancing amongst it once more and it gave light to the shimmering dark lake in front
of her. A shadowy figure running on top of the water was coming closer and closer in view. When
it was close enough for Korra to distinguish the figure stopped in its path in front of her. Crouching
as it took a light step towards her, the dark wolf, with fur comparably dark to the color of a raven
had its jade green eyes pierce into hers and then it abruptly stood tall and ears perked. It was then a
white glow emitted from Korra's chest, enveloped her, her vision, and all she saw next was pure
white light.

((DREAM OVER))

Korra woke in a cold sweat as she gasped for air. She looked back down at her hands to see that
they were still her human hands. She then proceeded to see the morning sun began to peak over the
horizon. She proceeded to get up and step on the last few dying embers of her nights fire. Thoughts
of her dream last night already crept in her mind, but she began to shake it off as soon as it entered.
She needed to focus on her task ahead. She needed to track down and find an animal for her to
finalize her tribes Ancient Ritual.

With that in mind she pressed onward in the light of the mornings sun and began to look for any
signs prey nearby.
 She's an Alpha, you gotta deal with it! (Part 2.)
Chapter Notes

I did not expect even that much feedback, likes, and even views when starting off
writing. I thought it would honestly take longer to gain even a 5 member audience. Im
so happy some of y'all are even giving me critiques and pointing out grammatical
errors. I do my best to peer review myself, we are human, theres bound to be some
mistakes here and there. I do aim to do my best! The positivity overall from everyone
is (dare I be cheesy but I'm guessing you guys are avatar nerds like I am so I'm gonna
say it) is making me tear bend! Happily of course lol.
My goal is to try to give updates to the story twice a week. If not twice then at least
once. I hope you guys enjoy the 2nd installment to the first chapter!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Korra fought back against the harsh winds whipping around her as she pressed on further into the
wilds of the South. It had been two days since the start of this hunt and she was pretty sure that her
trail to a herd of bison had gone cold due to the wind shifting the snow around so much. As she
kept going further and further with the Sun beginning to set, the winds finally started to calm and
the snow was settling.

Korra then found herself sighing into the night," I was so damn sure the Bison weren't far." She
looked up to the clear night sky, stars shimmering, and continued to whispered to herself," It would
be nice for some kind of lead right now." Not just a lead to the Bison either. Finding something this
far out couldn't be to hard to run into now, but a lead as to how to shift into form would also be nice
too. She worried when the time came, that she may not be able to do it...

She shook herself of her doubts and continued walking and seeking out any sign of animal life to
be found. She continued on top of yet another snow hill and began the descent downhill.

Then she heard it sharp and clear through the quiet night. A single note that turned cry and
branched into higher notes and back down low.

It was a song from a single wolf.

Korra stood still and rationalized her next action to take. A wolf was harder to take down without
the assurity of being able to shift or have a weapon at hand, and even worse was being out
numbered by a pack that could possibly be in toe. However, if the wolf was also tracking down its
prey, could she get to it first? The cry echoed through the open terrain but Korra was able to
pinpoint that the wolf was northeast of where she stood.

Before she could even come to her conclusion, behind her a growl that turned into a grunt was
omitted and shivers ran up her spine. That kind of grunt was undeniable, and she didn't even need
to turn her head to know what was behind her, however her instinct to face what was behind her
had kicked in. Her eyes set on what must've been a 7ft tall Polar Bear, standing prominently on its
hind legs, its eyes set back at Korra's.

Fuck.
Of course this would be Korra's luck. She couldn't run for it, that would entice the bear to chase her
down. If it came any closer, the best she could do was play dead. She did not stand a chance
against a Polar Bear of this stature even if she magically figured out how to shift in this moment.
Korra's eyes shifted behind the standing predator, and there she saw a small pure white coated cub.
It was it's mother standing behind her, and with how things were shaping out, this mother was
hunting for anything to feed her young in order to store enough fat and have her and her child make
it through their hibernation period. It was that time of year, and Korra had knew it. Eat or be eaten
was at its peak as time was running short for the wildlife, for the harshest and coldest point of year
in the South was at their doorstep.

Korra noticed that the cub was not as close in toe with its mother as it should have been. It seemed
to have been curiously sniffing the ground walking further away, and as it did Korra's attention
focused back to its mother who had dropped back down on all fours and began to take steps
towards Korra. It's nose lifted in the air to sniff and gather information by scent as it walked closer.
Korra needed to decide what to do and she needed to act quickly. Before the mother could reach
halfway towards Korra, growls sounded off and a cry from the cub sounded off soon after it. The
mothers attention whipped away from Korra and immediately she took off after her cub.

It was a single large gray wolf who's yellow eyes shimmered in the night, bounding and sprinting
after the cub. The cub had gained distance between itself and the wolf. Yet, the wolf persisted on
against the odds. This oddly struck Korra's core, reminding her of herself within the dream not long
ago as she watched the moment play out before her.

She watched as the mother polar bear closed in on the wolf, and how the wolf did not back down.
The polar bear went in for the bite and the wolf shifted its weight, moving out the way in a split
second to then land its bite on the side polar bear, close to its shoulder. The polar bear stood up on
its hind legs, roaring in pain as the wolf continued to bite down as it dangled in the air. The bear
then was able to shake the wolf off of itself and the wolf tumbled down into the snow, rolled, and
was back on its feet facing the bear once again. The bear landed back on all fours. The wolf
growled and showed its teeth to the bear and the bear had its gaze fixed upon the wolf and
answered back with its own grunts, blood now beginning to pour down from its side.

This wolf isn't going down without a fight. Korra began to think to herself as she was transfixed by
the moment. This bear is going to do everything to ensure this kill, and protect its young.

As quickly as the first round broke, it started up again, the bear moving in for another round and
the wolf back on defense.

The wolf is alone, and it needs to survive too. The young cub may have ensured a meal and longer
survival through the long winter for the wolf if the wolf had been able to get the kill.

The bear wouldn't allow that, just like the wolf, she's not going to let this meal, being this newly
found wolf, go off easily either.

The bear landed a blow to the wolf with its paw, digging and sinking its claws into what it could
while the wolf did its best to move out of the way in such close proximity that the bear was
creating by closing in. It was able to maul the wolfs back right shoulder. With the hit, the wolf
whimpered and continued to growl. Their eyes still fixated on one another and Korra's on them.

They're both desperate for the kill to ensure their own, and the future of their offsprings, survival.

However, even Korra knew the wolfs reasoning of the kill has now shifted from sustenance to
making out of this fight alive. Maybe like her, it knew it had no chance of running away. The bear,
now aware of their presence, overpowered them in every aspect. The only chance was a small one
and it was the only one they had. Stand your ground, see an opening and take it. For the wolf,
unlike Korra who's idea was to run when the Bear became uninterested, decided to fight.

As soon as the thoughts flooded into Korra's head, the bear once again stood up on its hind legs
roaring at the wolf, and the wolf unexpectedly went on the offensive this time. Mouth, then teeth to
follow, encased on the lower front of the Bears neck. The opening the wolf needed was created by
the bear when it chose to stand in an act of domineering power. The wolf bit down and latched on
to the bear shaking its head back and forth, digging its teeth further in for more damage in order to
fulfill such a final blow. However, such a move on the bear would not be in vain. The bear, despite
being in agonizing pain through its now noticeably audible gasps for air, sunk its own claws into
the wolfs sides and used its weight along with gravity and power to fall on to the wolf, and back on
all fours. This act received a loud whelp that protruded into the night from the wolf which then led
to the wolf releasing the bears throat with one last thrash of its head. With the release of the bite,
blood and meat sprayed out of the bears throat, which then caused the bear to take a few swayed
steps to the side releasing the pinned wolf. The bear grunted heavily with whimpers that followed
and its breathing grew harsher and harsher by the second as it continued to stagger to the side in
order to attempt at regaining its balance. Whimpers also came from the wolf as its body laid on its
side against the snowy carpet beneath it, shuddering with shallow breaths that followed as blood
began to stain the pure white snow around it.

An idea sparked inside Korra's mind, deeper and unlike anything she had ever had the opportunity
to think on before. Her minds work began to grow like wildfire and boil down the essence of this
fights overall meaning. She then began to shudder. In realization, this was a pure message from the
spirits guidance watching over her through this ritualistic hunt for her to adhere to. Korra and the
wolf were connected in the mere fact that they were clearly overpowered by this bear. The lesson
the wolf taught her in this very moment: Despite your odds and the favors against you at what is
placed before you, hope is what you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.

It was at the very moment the realization finalized that Korra's chest began to feel light. What she
could only describe as what felt like electricity beginning at the lower base of her back had then
shot, ran up her spine, and took off branching itself off throughout her body. Her body then felt
heavy and her vision then proceeded to go dark.

It did not last long though, as she opened her eyes she felt a shift in her being. It resembled the shift
she experienced when she first presented as an Alpha, however on a larger scale that was felt
throughout her whole body. When she looked down she no longer saw her human hands. All she
could see were wolf paws in front of her coated with fur that was whiter than pure snow.

When she proceeded to look up, she then saw the bears attention was now on her.

It was greatly weakened and close to Deaths door as it stumbled a step towards her barely holding
on to its own balance. Korra then proceeded to look where the other wolf lay and a chord struck in
her heart. The wolf was dead. She looked back at the bear struggling to walk towards her and
maintaining its balance. She then searched for the cub as she stood in place. It was nowhere to be
found, in fear during the fight, it must have ran far off from the scene.

Her attention was now fully back on the mother bear as it slowly and barely made its way towards
her. Korra knew what she needed to do to finalize this hunt, though this kill will be unlike any other
kill she had made before. Not because she was to make this kill in her newly shifted form, but
because in the past her kills were purely out of sake for the hunt. This time, it was intentionally a
mercy kill to end this mother bears suffering as she neared and struggled for the certainty of death.

Korra finally made her first step, and proceeded slowly towards the bear. With the bear seeing that
 she had finally moved and was closing in, it proceeded to begin to growl and grunt. The bear
showed its teeth but was too weak to make an attack as it struggled more and more to maintain its
balance standing. Before Korra sunk her teeth into the bears throat as she was now close enough in
range to attack, it had made a desperate lunge at her. Korra then was able to dodge and catch the
bears throat. Korra then pressed her teeth further and further into the bears throat tasting its blood
on her tongue. Seconds later, the bear collapsed to the ground struggling to get back up for a
minute, only then for it to cease in realization that it was done for. Korra then released her teeth's
grasp from the bears throat when she felt its last struggling breathe and knew that it had then left
this world.

Chapter End Notes

HAAAAA. I found the coding on how to do bold and italics through this website. I'm
now doing an excite. That will be a nice tool to know as I continue writing in the
future on here LOL.
Other than that, with a larger audience than I expected, I decided to pick up the pace
then what I intended with this story. I could very easily drag out this hunt into 6 parts,
but i'm not going to kill y'all. Let me know what y'all think of the pacing throughout if
y'all like to comment on that sort of thing. For now Im going to try and aim for a good
pace. Not too fast, not too slow, but moving along. I wanna get a good story out there
along with description, but I don't wanna kill y'all with it either. Hopefully y'all get
where I'm coming from. Also, I hope you recognize a quote from the main series, that
I did fiddle and changed a bit for the purpose of this story. Anyway, I'll be back soon
with another update!
 She's an Alpha, you gotta deal with it! (Part 3.)
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Korra was only a day away from the village now as she trekked through the snow dragging behind
her the body of the mother polar bear along with the wolfs. She continued on in her wolf form,
killing an elk on the way to use the bones and skin to make a sled to use to her ease of carrying this
large mammal back to her village. She used strips of the hide as rope for her to bite down on in her
wolf form, the rest of its hide the base of the sleigh.

When Korra had seen smoke far out and over the snowy hills, she knew she was finally in reach of
her village. Her nerves began to set within her once more. She couldn't believe that her goals that
she had since she was little were nearing an end. The Elders were going to make their decisions,
then her and the rest of the newly marked would reach true adulthood in their community. She
paced as fast as she could with the weight she carried, eager to be back home.

She could finally see the beautiful ice castles and homes, the smoke from fires, and members of
the village walking about in the village. She could see from afar that some villagers were starting
to spot her as she neared which encouraged her to pick up her pace. She knew where she needed to
end up, and that was where they had left off from to start the hunt. As she reached the village and
continued on she heard gasps and whispers from members of the community, probably impressed
and shocked at her prize to present to this ceremony. As she reached the end of the village where
they began the hunt she noticed a crowd begin to gather along with a few shouts from some men in
the distance, she waited where the rest of the young adults waited after the hunt, and knew the
elders would come to inspect not only the prize but the change of the hunter. She noticed that some
of the others were back and were also staring back at her. She noted the transformations of fellow
tribesmen alongside her, an arctic weasel that carried a dead snow bunting, a fox that carried a
snow hare, what was shadowed behind the biggest arctic charr Korra had ever seen, was a silver
and peppered river otter that was also not a regular sized otter either, there was a few owls, eagles,
and what really caught Korra's attention was a crowned elk that had beautiful stones laid before its
feet.

The Elk did not make a kill?, Korra questioned to herself and then it dawned on her, she had once
heard, though rarely done, an animal offering is not the only offering to make for the hunt, but
valuable goods for the tribe can be found acceptable by the elders. I wonder if the Elders will deem
this worthy, it's rare to take a risky chance such as this for the ceremony Korra thought to herself.
She also noticed she was the last one needed to arrive for the Elders then to see everyone once
again.

One by one they came out before them, came up to them without uttering a word, inspected them
and their prizes. All the Elders then set themselves in front of them once again but also in the
middle of the crowd of villagers that grew and grew. She noticed that the Elders eyes shifted her
ways a lot and what seemed to be nerves wracking up inside their stoic facades. That can't be good
Korra thought to herself nervously. The Elders never broke, or showed a crack of emotion during
these times, and the fact that nervousness grew amongst them was unsettling not only them, but the
villagers who whispers began to grow more, along with the nervousness in the air from everyone.

"We will take the prizes our young Alphas have brought forth. Tonight, the village celebrates a
new generation of Alphas!" The Elder finished as the crowd cheered. "Tonight there will be a
grand fire and feast, it is there that in front of this fire we will announce and bestow the ancient
marks upon their foreheads, finalizing their place amongst the tribe! Join us fellow tribesmen,
celebrate, and congratulate these fine young Alphas on their successes!", the Elder finished and the
rest of the elders began to pick up the prizes of the Alphas. Korra, still in her wolf form, grabbed
her clothes from her made sleigh before they reached her kill, and grabbed them with her mouth.
She noticed the rest from the hunt began to take off still in their animal forms most likely to their
own homes and see their parents before the ceremony tonight. She did the same and headed to her
home.

When she got to the doorstep of her home, the door swung wide to not her Parents, but Katara to
Korra's shock. Katara's face was first shock that then had a tear fall from a single eye and then
Korra was met with a sweet smile. "Long time no see," Katara said softly. Korra felt an odd
sensation at that comment, and continued inside her home and met her own mothers eye's finally.
Her mother was sitting at the end of their dining table and her face had done the same as Kataras
when her mother met her eyes. Shock, but this time her mothers hands met her face and she began
to go into a crying fit. Before Korra could make her way over there, Katara had beaten her there,
she looked at Korra and softly said," You should find a room to change back into human form and
find some clothes Korra. Then your mother will be ready to talk." Korra was frozen in her spot,
confused as could be and slowly began to walk towards her own room. Her Father wasn't home,
she had received weird reaction from both the villagers and odd nervous glances from the Elders,
and instead of a happy celebration to welcome her home from her family, she was met with Katara
being here along with her mother bawling her eyes out in the dining room. Something strange is up
Korra thought nervously to herself as she entered her room. She transformed back into human form
and closed the door quietly behind her. What on earth is going on? What does all of this mean? Is
it something bad? . She walked over towards her bathroom and begun a bath. She washed her body
and hair looking over a few scars she had received on her legs, arms, and torso over the years from
learning how to fight and hunt alongside her Father. When she was done she dried herself quickly
off and began to find her more formal attire to face the evenings ceremony. She found her best suit
with Southern Tribe traditional accents in the coat itself along with a tie to match it with traditional
Southern Water tribe snow boots. She looked in her bedroom mirror and began tying her hair back
in three ponytails, later deciding that the two side tails should be braids along with small braids
leading towards her back ponytail. She put traditional southern water tribe hair pieces to hold her
two braids and ponytail up. She looked at herself fully in the mirror and let out a nervous sigh. Im
ready.

She stepped out of her room and began her way through the hallways to reach the dining room
where she left Katara and her Mother to calm down. Korra's eyes met the both of them as she saw
them both seated at the table. "Would anyone like to tell me what exactly is going on and where
Dad is?" Korra finally spoke and Katara laughed as Senna's frown deepened. "I forget that you,
Korra, like to always get to the point," Katara began," However, we are limited to what we can tell
you for it has to be revealed tonight by both the Elders and the Chief, being your Father. Your
Father is with them, and he is not allowed to speak to you until it has been presented tonight at the
ceremony..."

"What is to be presented? Did I do something wrong? Did I fail? Is it because I'm a woman
Alpha?! WHAT IS GOING ON?!" Korra began shouting as her anger began to rise as everyone
kept secrets from her, secrets that were beginning to scare Korra.

"Sweetie," her mother began almost half sobbing and Korra looked at her to tell her with her eyes
that she meant no disrespect. Her mother met her with a small smile and softly spoke," We cannot
tell you, but what I can say is that you did nothing wrong, it's just a lots about to change..."

"What's about to change?" Korra said worriedly.

 Senna looked down at her hands folded into her lap and quietly spoke one word," Everything."

Korras eyes grew wide and looked back and forth between both Katara and her Mother. "Is it
bad?" Korra choked out, her eyes on the verge of crying.

"No! No sweetie, it's not a bad thing," Senna said as she lifted her eyes back on to Korra's.

"I don't underst-" Korra began but was cut off quickly by Katara," You will tonight, we can't reveal
anything more than that Korra. Tonight, we are to bring you last to be presented at this ceremony
in front of the Elders and the Chief, and bring you right back home."

Korra couldn't believe what she had just heard from Katara. She never heard of an Alpha having to
be barely at the Ceremony to be presented and just leave immediately after.

What in the world is going on...

Chapter End Notes

Sorry Its been a while guys, Ive been super busy and also was at an indecisive
standstill of how this story was to progress both where I was now and further in the
story. I wanted time to really think it through and decide, so, sorry for that! I hope yall
enjoy!
 She's an Alpha, you gotta deal with it! (Part 4.)
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Korra held the fire lit lantern in her hand as she trenched through the knee deep snow. She followed
behind her mother and Katara who were a yards ahead of her. She could see their silhouettes
against the dim lighting of the lantern her mother held. Korra kept up slowly, questions and
combating thoughts racing through her head.

The Elders have some opinion about me, its gotta be that they wish to devalue me versus the
male Alphas.

I'm still an Alpha though. How can anyone devalue the meaning of what is regardless? There
have been female Alphas before...rare but existing...

Korra just shook her thoughts. The truth of the matter is as she finally circled back to her reality
nothings gonna be known to her until she gets to the ceremony for it to be revealed.

As she looked up she began to the bright golden glow of the ceremonial bonfire and the dancing
shadows of her people along with it. She began to pace her steps faster until she was close enough
to talk to her mother and Katara but before she could get a word in Katara cut in first," Korra we
are going to go in first and join the crowd when we get closer. Stay close enough until you are
called but not where the bonfires light touches."

"Alright..." Korra said softly. Here we go, thought Korra as they reached closer and closer to
ceremony.

As stated, both her mother and Katara joined the crowd and she stayed on the outer end of the
ceremony in the shadows but close enough to hear what was going on. She could see the Elders
who stood closest to the fire, the bright golden embers dancing along with oranges and reds
illuminated their ceremonial garbs showcasing the finest of Souths furs, traditional symbols that
showcased the spirits of the Moon and Ocean. She then spotted her father, wearing his Polar Bear
head piece along with the Southern Chiefs symbolic garbs and jewlery. Korra sniffed in the air to
see which one of the Alphas was kneeling in front of the Elders but it was hard being so far away.
She caught a slight whiff and recognized it. The Elk. The Elders were addressing the young Elk
who was kneeling to receive his Mark. As Korra realized, the Elders claimed that he were to be
endowed with the ancient mark of the Wise.
 I guess the gems he found were sufficient enough to be received by the Elders Korra thought to
herself.

Korra watched as one of the Elders brought a large ceramic bowl towards her Father, who then
began to walk down with said Elder towards the young kneeling Alpha. They stopped once they
were at arms length with him, and her Father turned towards the bowl and dipped his fingers in it,
and then turned to the young Alpha and drew upon his forehead. Her father then proclaimed
loudly," Rise Unalaq, the Wise!". As the young Alpha stood the crowd cheered. He then joined
amongst the crowd. Korra smiled watching her community celebrate with such vigor, but then
chords she never heard at the ceremony before struck her ears. Drums. The heavy beat of Drums
began to silence the crowd. Along with it, the smell of shock rose amongst the crowd. She could
see the shadows of villagers on the other side of the fire beating the drums to a finely tune. It came
to an abrupt end all at once.

"Now joining us will be the last young Alpha initiated into the tribe, please come Korra!" Her
Father addressed.

Korra shakily started to make her way towards the front where her Father and the Elders stood.
With each step, she did her best to shake her nerves and gain her confidence. As she reached the
point she then kneeled on one knee like the Alpha did before her. She kept her eyes trained on the
ground anxiously waiting for the Elders to start.

"Before us, is the Alpha that presented us no ordinary kill. The kill presented was that of not just
one, but two mighty predators!" The Elder began " One of these predators being the King of
Predators of the Souther Tribe, The Polar Bear. The other predator in tune with this Alphas own
change, a historically significant pack member amongst the nations, the Wolf. The spirits have
revealed to us through our traditional ceremonial coming of age, the cycle continuous..." Gasps
began to draw from the crowd and all was still for the clarity of the next few words for the Elder to
reveal," The Alphas of all Alphas, the bringer of Peace, Light, and Balance amongst the Nations,
we announce..."

...what... Korra thought as her body began to shake. She could no longer keep her face to the
ground, she looked up to the Elders and saw their stoic faces. She then quickly found her fathers
eye's as the Elder continued...

" Avatar Korra...."

Korra both saw both the warmth and pride in her Fathers eyes strangely mixed with sorrow...

Chapter End Notes

Chapter End Notes

Wow. Lot of stuff happening in personal life but hey, im back with more of the story!
Sorry for the wait! Also the drum beat mentioned in this Chapter? You better believe
im refrencing THE drum beat from ATLA. Specifically if you want to find it, The
Dance of Dragons episode with the sun people in Season 3.
 Tides Shifting (Part 1)

Korra began to stand eyes still locked on her Father.

I’m the what? She began thinking to herself as her eyes averted from her father, a quick look
towards the elders and she began turning to face the ever quiet village.

The Avatar. The Alphas of all Alphas. The Last Avatar was from the Air Nation, A nomad who
married none other than Katara herself.

Something clicked inside of Korra. As she faced the quiet crowd she didn’t know whether to join or
walk off. The deafening silence becoming unbearable for her to think and register the information
presented to her. She decided upon herself to finally move, as she hurriedly began to walk off and
towards home. She probably was to stay for the end of the ceremony but she didn’t care. Now was
not the time for celebration, in gaining the truth of her newfound identity, she lost her dream. With
being the Avatar, she would never gain Chiefdom of the Watertribe.

I can feel it to be true. I am the Avatar Korra continued thinking to herself trecking through the
dark in the snow.

Everyone knows that The Avatar, Alpha of all Alphas, is a being who reincarnates throughout the
Nations within the cycle: Fire Nation, Air Nation, Water Nation, and the Earth Nation. A being
that eras in balance throughout the nations regardless of their status as Alpha, Beta, or Omega.
There is the collected knowledge of past Avatars that resides within the spirit of the Avatar that is
brought through with the current of Avatars. It’s also deemed through so said spirit that unnatural
powers other than shapeshifting occurs from the Avatar as well. The ability to talk to the spirits, a
commanding voice that speaks to all Alphas, Omegas, or Betas, and in the last Avatars reign
discovered, The ability to strip away ones Alphahood, which as described in history, renders one
something outside the realm of being neither Alpha,Omega, or Beta.

Korra processed everything that had happened as she arrived to her home, and opened the door. She
then began to make it to the living room couch where she sat knees apart and then brought her face
down into her hands. She rubbed her aching head and eyes as the pressing pressure in her head
persisted. She then heard the door open and then looked up. Coming through the doorway were
both of her parents. Her Father proceeded making his way across from Korra taking off his
ceremonial Polar Bear headpiece off and sat in the chair, her mother followed and stood behind
him hands on his shoulders looking down.

Her Father began,” Since you were born, the moment I held you, I knew you were going to be a
strong Alpha. As you developed through Childhood and even into Adulthood all the signs were
there Korra. You are the Avatar. After the hunt, even moreso evident through your kills and what
you’ve shifted into….”

”All Avatars shift into something different based on the individual Avatar,” Korra began but her
Father continued,” Yes, but all Avatars shift into a pure white being, just like your wolf form.” He
said with a smile. “ Avatar Kyoshi into a great white fox , Roku a White Dragon, and Aang was a
white Eagle that matched the size of a bison…”

”But what really marks the Avatars is the famous “glow”,” Korra interjected. She thought quickly
and said,” I don’t even know what makes the glow a glow…”

”I’ve seen Avatar Aangs…” Her Father captured her interest.

“What was it like?” She asked.

”Avatar Aang received what the Air nation nomads give all their enlightened monks: Air Nomad
Tattoos. I’ve seen the glow happen while he was still human, and saw it in his eyes and even his
Tattoos glowed…”

”Why did you get to see that?” Korra began to ask but her father shook his head and quickly
stated,” Another story for another time, it’s time we really talk about your Future as the Avatar
Korra and what it really means here on out.”

”You no longer have an heir to be chief of the tribe…” Korra said softly

”The Southern Watertribe will find someone to take my place when it’s time…,” Tonraq began,”
but yes, as soon as we were positive that you, my daughter, was indeed the Avatar…” he let out a
soft sigh,” I gained a high honor but lost an heir all in one moment.” He smiled softly to himself.
“To be your Father, the Avatars father, is a high Honor Korra.”

”It was my dream too you know, it’s all I ever thought about and wanted to do,” Korra began her
bottom lip beginning to tremble from the emotion she tried hard to conceal.

”You may not specifically be Chief to the Southern Watertribe, but Korra…” Tonraq began to
stand and kneel in front of his daughter, hand resting on her shoulder,” Korra being the Avatar is
like being Chief to All Nations…”

“My Duty won’t be just here though, to MY people…” A tear began down Korra face.

”As Avatar, you have to think bigger Korra. The Watertribe is only one section of your people. To
you, all Four of the Nations are your people. Your duty is to unite them as they are and keep the
world both separate but at peace amongst one another and make them remember all four nations,
though separate, make the whole.”

Korra took in what her Father was saying.

”I understand…” Korra said softly wiping a tear away by brushing her arm across her face.

“Good.” Tonraq said. “Now go get some rest, it’s getting very late. We will talk more in the
morning.”

Korra nodded and proceeded to get up and make her way to her room. Once there, she closed the
door behind her softly, stripped herself of her clothes down to her undergarments and then got in
bed. She stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours taking in all that had happened until it finally
wore her down and her eyes grew heavy with sleep.
 Tides Shifting (Part 2)
Chapter Summary

Well, I guess I’ll be trying to add chapters via phone from here on out until further
notice. I’ll try and get some updates this way! Bare with me if grammar is bad, typing
on phone vs computer is very different LOL

Korra slowly began to wake as a scent hit her nostrils. As she groggily woke, her mind began to
process the source of the smell and she shot up excitedly.

Baconnnnnn.

Her mouth began to water as she got out of bed to find her nearest t-shirt and shorts to step out with.
As she closed the door to her room behind her she began to tie her hair back in her signature
ponytails. “Good morning mom, what you got there?” Korra stated as she stepped close behind her
mother cooking and peered over her shoulder to see the beautiful tender meats being seared against
the pan. Her mouth began to water.

“Wait until your mother is done Korra,” Tonraq said with a smile on his face,” Besides we have a
lot to discuss remember?”

Korra made a playfully pitiful face at both her mother and father as she began to sit down across
from her father at the table. “So, if being Avatar guarantees me bacon every morning for breakfast,
I’m already liking the gig…” said Korra playfully and she leaned back in her chair and crossed her
hands behind her head.

Tonraq laughed even louder,” Being Avatar is more about Bacon, but Bacon is a nice
compensation I suppose. You know, being Avatar, you need to meet people outside of our nation
right?”

Korras stomach sank a bit expecting where this was now heading. Her nerves grew at the thought
of even leaving the South. “Yeah…I guess I do….I don’t know if I’m rea…

“You’re ready,” he said with a smile. Korras heart sank ,”but the South…” she began.
“Will still be here and be the same when you come and visit and stay a while here and there. I
talked to some of the great leaders across the Nations on what was best for you to be ready as
Avatar, Korra…” Tonraq said.

“Wait, where are you going with this? Why didn’t I get to be in these conversations with the
leaders?” Said Korra

“Korra, you didn’t know, but we were keen that you were the Avatar, and we prepped on that
notion alone, and as the Chief it’s not that hard to speak to other leaders of other Nations, in fact
you know I’m great friends with a few…” said Tonraq

“Okay, okay, I know,” said Korra now leaning on the table pressing her finger on her forehead
staring down at the grains in the wood of the table. She sighed taking in what was happening. Of
course her Father had a plan before she even knew herself to be the Avatar.

Her Mother set down plates full of bacon, eggs, and biscuits in front of them and she too then
seated herself at the table. “Sweetie…” she grabbed both Korra and Tonraqs hands, “This is what’s
best for you AND the world. This is what we all need to do to prepare you for who you are,” She
smiled sweetly as tears began to spill from her eyes,” I’m not ready for you to leave home either,
but then again if it were me I’d never want you to leave home,” she laughed as more tears came
out,” This will always be your home and of course it will be hard to leave even knowing you’ll
come back to visit, but we will always be with you. Youre Father and I, the South, we’re a part of
you that you’ll have when you’re traveling” she stated as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Tonraq smiled,” That’s right Korra.”

Korra also began to shed a tear a bit, her voice cracking a bit from emotion,” So what is the plan?”

“The Leaders advised me to the best, of course, what they do for their own children who will also
be great leaders amongst their Nations. There is an Academy in Republic City…”

“Republic City? THE Republic City? Isn’t that gonna be expensiv…” Korra was cut off.

Tonraq spoke,” Being the confirmed Avatar, has its perks, along with being the daughter to the
Chief of the South,” he winked,” Now, about Republic City Academy…”

“I’ve heard of it a bit,” said Korra. “It’s the best school in the country, only nobles, royals, and the
worlds brightest end up there…”

“That’s right,” Tonraq said,” and so will the Avatar. As the Avatar, you need to be introduced to
the future leaders of the nations along with those in high positions of power. This will help you
understand the other nations, their culture, their concerns, their interests. By doing this, it shapes
you to make the best decisions as the Avatar to all Nations if decisions need to be made by you.”

“I understand…” said Korra quietly and a tad bit nervously. As much as she knew, she knew the
South was very different from the rest of the world. They weren’t technologically inclined,
progressive in that matter. She began to expect her culture shock just being in the most advanced
city in the world. She had overheard conversations about transportation devices on land that didn’t
work like a boat, but had wheels that somehow powered itself.

“I think it’ll be a great experience for you,” Tonraq started again,” You’ll be able to meet more
young adults your age and make friends with people who you’ll have in common with in leadership
aspects. Helps you put perspective on things in my experience. Tenzin is one of the teachers there
you know, you remember him?”

“The monk from the Air Nation?” Asked Korra,” Isn’t that Kataras son?”

“Yes it is, he grew up here alongside us for a bit, but of course as you know, he ended up being one
of the high monks. Then there’s the Firelord and her son who I’ve heard will be attending there as
well. And of course your Cousins from the North,” he continued on.

“So when does this School start?” Asked Korra.

“The Spring Semester begins next month so you do have a month to prepare,” said Senna.

“We’ll have you ready and settled a little before then have have your classes scheduled,” finished
Tonraq. “Of course they allow a few extra credit courses for you to choose other than your core
courses so when you get there you can choose from what you like. I think you have to fill in one or
two of those.”
As Korra ate a piece of Bacon from her plate she got up from the table,” Look, I’m gonna go for a
run and just…take this all in, okay?”

“That’s fine,” Tonraq and Senna said in simultaneously.

“Thanks,” said Korra softly. She smiled at her parents and stepped off. She went towards the back
of the house heading out of the back door. She could hear her parents before she stepped outside
into the snow.

“She took that better than expected,” Senna began.

“It was the Bacon,” chuckled Tonraq jokingly,” no, our usually stubborn girl is just stepping into
being a responsible and wise Alpha Senna. She needs to process leaving home, but other than that
she’ll be fine.”

“I know,” she could hear her mother say faintly.

Korra stripped from her clothes as she took another step into the snow and changed into her wolf
form and began to run through the snow.

She wanted to take in all of her home. She went on this run every morning and evening up until her
last days before going off into the world.

Me. Going to school. With other Alphas she scoffed at the idea of the insane amount of self
centered Alphas there. There will be Omegas too. That doesn’t sound to bad Korra thought to
herself leaving a very signature Avatar smirk on her face that could be recognized.
 Welcome To Republic City (Part 1)

The days seem to have flown by despite time itself seeming so slow to Korra as she took everything
in. From the moment when she first stepped off the boat and saw the night lights of the city
sparkling and glowing against water and glow towards the sky with her parents, to her now
standing in front of the campus of the Academy. The Academy was unreal: the sights,smells, the
architecture of the buildings were all so vast and different, and somehow the city still managed to
blend itself with nature to Korra’s awe. She still couldn’t believe that in front of her was a campus
to a enormous school, the size seemingly equivalent to that of a town! The main buildings in front
and center all sat in unison in red brick.

Her Father lead the way up the concrete stairs that lead to the front buildings doors. Through there
they navigated through some hallways that had some signs directing them towards the
Administration room.

“Tonraq!!!!!” exclaimed Shiro Shinobi as soon as they entered the room.

“Hey there, Shiro, how’s it been?”

“Same old same old, meeting faces and going through paperwork galore. So! Let’s see that
Avatar.” Chuckled Shiro.

“Oh yes, mhmmmm. Yeah you’re very different from Aang.”

Korra tried to keep her scoff to herself, but as it slipped her father gave her a look.

“Well, you know, different era, different Avatar,” Korra shrugged with a forced chuckle to go
along with her attempted joke.

“Very True! Very True! Let’s see here ughhh huh, here will be you’re housing number and room
along with the keyyyy,” he handed a folder to Korra,” and this,” he piled another folder on top of
the other in her hands,” Is your schedule along with a list of electives you can choose from, the
number of electives you can take is two,” he stated as he put up two fingers up and put them back
down to grab another folder and file,” and thissss is everything you’ll need to know about the
campus, the rules, uniform codes, and of course your books are being provided to you along with
any other equipment you require. There are forms you need to sign in statement that the items are
to be treated respectfully, if broken to be replaced, yadada, and that’s that!”

“Quite a bit there” Korra said as her arms got heavy from the amount of paperwork.

“Most of the students of course barely go through it and of course the signing of paperwork is the
most important! You can sign them in here if you’d like and turn it immediately and then I’ll give
y’all a tour of the campus yeah?”

“Sounds good to me,” said Korra.

They went through the paperwork and Korra signed what needed to be signed and Korra then asked
how will she be getting the uniforms. He then explained that they’ll be provided once they get her
sized for them.

Once all paper work was done they took a tour of the campus. Once they past through the unified
entry buildings, laid out into a beautiful botanical field with a fountain of Avatar Aang in the
middle. Within that fountain the four nations were inscribed on the forefront walls of the fountain,
inside the fountain : colorful mosaic tiles of the four nations mimicked the outer wall in a more
dazzling display.
Following suit to the fountain as if it were a compass that guided the campus, you could see the
colors and aesthetics branch off from the fountain further out in the campus. The only Nation not
following suit was the fourth that faced the building they just came out of, the Air Nation that
Aang's statue also faced.

“And the buildings past the lake are more representative of the north and southern poles historical
architecture, also there are living quarters set amongst these building all over campus, and Korras
are next to the farther side of campus near the more Water Nation styled buildings…” Shiro
continued ,” The classrooms amongst the living quarters, the buildings are labeled along with the
classrooms.”

As they continued to tour majority of the campus Korra got to see some up close previews of the
various buildings, gardens, small ponds, what looked to be different athletic gyms, labs,
workshops. When getting towards the Water nation like area they could see some of the lake and
trees. She got to see which building she was living in and heard that she was on the third floor room
307.

“Y’all are welcome to move in Korra of course before the semester begins at any point after our
little tour today. If you have any questions for me you know where to find me!”. Shiro continued.

After the tour they headed off Campus and towards the mid city where they located a restaurant
that was Fire Nation type cuisine.
They talked about their game plan to get Korra situated in her new living quarters. They spent the
night at a hotel called "Cabbage Corp. Hotel". That night Korra was relentless with thoughts on the
future. She ended up turning her lamp on her nightstand and began looking through her courses for
the upcoming semester. Her eyes and curiosity then led her to the possible electives she could take.

The following courses are electives for first years

Agriculture Science II

Art II

Athletics II

Dance Studio I

Industrial Technologies I

Electronic Technologies I

History of the Nations II

Martial Arts Through the Nations II

Spirit Theology I

Spirit World Theories I

Theatre I

Zoology I
Hmmmmmm... Korra thought to herself. Most of them honestly sounded boring, BUT she did see a
few that suited her interests.

She shuffled her paperwork back into a neat stack and placed it back on her nightstand, and then
proceeded to turn the lamp back off. She crossed her hands behind her head and looked up at the
ceiling of her room. Soon she will be a student at the Academy. Soon she will start to be introduced
as the Avatar to more and more people and to the world. Soon she'd be recognized as THE Alpha.

What does it even mean to be the Avatar nowadays anyway? Aang brought an Era of peace, as
well as Roku. Kyoshi established equality amongst the order of Alpha's, Beta's, and Omega's.
Kuruk lived in peaceful times and I've never really heard much of what he had accomplished,
but Yangchen established a lot in spirituality throughout the nations...What do I have to offer?
Korra began to think to herself and her role overall in the world with her newly given
identity. While I figure it out, through achievements or even failures, I AM the Avatar, and
people are just gonna have to deal with it! Korra began to self motivate herself pushing down her
freshly found doubts and fears of failure.

A month later...

Time passed by what seemed to be in a whiplash to Korra as she got accustomed to her new lively
hood as a student living on campus. Her uniforms took some time to also get accustomed to as well
as there were not the type of clothes she herself would've particularly chosen. Alphas wore long
sleeve button up shirts and dress pants. Due to being water nation her colors were solid navy blue
and her tie was a silver pearl like color. She noticed the Omega's of the school were distinguished
by skirts that came down a little above the knee's. However, when she accidentally turned a tight
corner trying not to be late to another boring period of History class, she ran smack into a female
Earth nation student, and Korra swore she smelled more like a Beta than an Omega.

Korra also had yet to stretch out to others and begin to make any friends. Instead, she decided to
more watchful and quiet of this new environment in front of her. It seemed to her that some of the
students had already made connections or new each other previously before school had even
started, making her feel even more out of the loop. None of them seemed to be as stunned as her
when something of the city easily mesmerized her through the news or events brought up in class.
There was so much to do and hear and see here even on campus or in the city compared to her
home back at the South Pole. Cultures really did collide here and gave birth to a lot of new things
that both impressed and had Korra very interested in checking out.

Of course she chose Athletics and the Martial Arts Electives. Unfortunately she was told she had
to take a third elective. She chose Art which she didn't look forward to since she started. She was
pushed to take Spirit Theology as the Avatar by the counselors, but it sounded absolutely boring,
but at least Art was active in some manner. Her Father even stated Spirituality could be founded
through Art which eased the counselors off. In her mind, the counselor's seemed a little to invested
in what the Avatar chose as an elective course anyways. It did eat and worry her in the back of her
mind.

When it came time for her Martial Art class, however, she had finally started to suddenly reach out.
A Beta named Bolin, actually started it off. He said he took notice to Korra's power and strength
on the punching bag and wanted to give her a few tips on her punches which Korra agreed to.

"Not bad," stated a cool tone and Korra immediately smelled another Alpha. Her eyes narrowed a
bit and she said," Not impressed much I see,"

"Woah calm down there," claimed the tall dark haired alpha," I said not bad. The name's Mako, Im
Bolin's brother." he said with a smirk.

That caught Korra off guard. Bolin clearly had features of someone who came from the Earth
Nation, however, Mako had golden eyes that was clearly a Fire Nation trait. She had noticed Mako
in the class when school had first started. Her attention wasn't the only one to have gravitated
towards him either, a lot of people took notice to his talents as a fighter as well, and even gained
recognition from the Teacher.

"Oh, sorry, I wouldn't have guessed that honestly..." Korra began.

"Don't sweat it," Mako continued," I can tell your new to Republic City, and can tell that your
definitely Water Nation. Our Mother was from the Fire Nation and our Father from Ba Sing Se. It's
clear to see who inherited what traits from who huh?" chuckled Mako," Anyways if you ever want
to spar let me know. I'd love to learn or see Water Nation style martial arts on the sparring matt for
sure."

"You're on!" said Korra excitedly as she extended a hand towards Mako.

This was perfect. She had seen Mako spar in the class and had an advantage in seeing some of his
fighting styles weaknesses vs her not showing off too much in the class. She still had a feeling that
Mako wasn't putting his all in the class though. Maybe she could provide a real challenge and see
what Mako was really made of.

Mako met Korra's hand with his own. She had a feeling that Mako also sensed that she also wasn't
putting her all in the class either. Others must have overheard their conversation and began to
gather around the two and they could hear the others "Is Mako gonna fight the Water Tribe Alpha
in class?", "She looks pretty tough I bet it would be a good match!" ,"As an Omega learning for
self defense, I can't wait to watch two hot Alphas duke it out in class" "So hot..." said another
Omega, "Great here we go, two Alpha bros already are gonna duke it out and show off," a Beta
rolled their eyes...

Korra could feel the electricity of excitement enter her body, she now had a match with one of the
recognized best fighters in the class...
 Welcome to Republic City (Part 2)
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Korra began to gear up for her sparring match in the class. The teacher approved their match on the
mat and the students stopped their own own practices in the class and followed sitting around the
area. Korra's nerves began a little from the crowd building up, she never fought in front of a crowd
of strangers before so the pressure was on. She took a breath in as she closed her eyes and exhaled
out opening them up. You've got this she reminded herself. Growing up with her Father, and
amongst other members of the tribe, she learned and practiced a lot in fighting. She has what it
takes through experience.

She took to the mat as she saw Mako across the way also ready and stretching on the mat.

The Teacher then approached, " Alright you hot headed teens, listen up!" He began ," I want a nice
clean sparring match, the rules as follows especially for a match with two Alphas: Human form
fighting only. Do not shift! Anyone who begins to get out of control and shift into their Alpha
forms is automatically disqualified from this supervised sparring match. With that said because this
is a supervised match in class, winner gets bonus credits from the course. Depending on the match
results that I witness from the loser of the match, the loser may also get bonus if its a tight match,
and if the fighting forms or examples in class or if any improvements from the class are seen on the
mat." The old Teacher then scratched at his white hair that was tied into a ponytail," Alright I'll
begin the countdown for this to commence."

As he began to step off the mat, Mako got up from stretching and took to his defensive position,
and Korra followed suit. Mako's stance consisted of a tight form where his body was in a line, feet
barely spread apart, hands closed, vs Korra's stance. Her stance was feet grounded apart, toes
pointed toward her opponent, hands open, her right hand more so extended out compared to her
left, elbows in, upper body toward opponent, lower towards her right.

Mako was already reading into their stances as well, and noticed that Korra was already doing
likewise, she could see his smirk beneath his face guard, and she caught herself also smiling. her
body was buzzing with excitement, the crowd surrounding them faded from her thoughts as she
focused on her opponent.

The Teacher began the countdown as he held an Orange flag up in the air," On my count and
Mark....3.....2.....ONEEEE!" A whistle blew and the flag came down in a quick swift action.

Mako rushed in jumping up and ready to come down with a quick punch on Korra. Korra smiled
and thought to herself What a typical Alpha move. On the offensive and first to strike. Korra knew
it took more than offense to win, and that defense could be the best offense in watching your
opponent. She learned that lesson plenty of times through her Fathers fighting teachings as well as
Hunting. Before Mako even landed, Korra ducked and rolled and extended her right leg in for a
sweep where she predicted Mako to land. Her leg made contact with his and he began to fall,
however, Mako made a speedy recovery by backflipping a few times to get his feet grounded once
again.

"Nice one," Mako grunted," But lets see what you're really made of..."

"I hope you can handle it," said Korra arrogantly as she began to advance in on Mako. That should
ruffle his feathers a bit.
Korra went in throwing off Mako with a left handed punch while showing being right hand
dominance both in class, however, he easily saw it coming and hit her left arm out of the way to
then try and get a jab in. Korra predicted this and offered her left arm as bait. Mako didn’t see it
coming, but with Korra’s right hand she came up with an uppercut that made contact his jaw and
sent him upwards, off his feet, and onto his back pressed against the mat with a nice Oof echoing
in the room.

“That Water Tribe Alphas giving Mako a run for his money” “What’s her name?” “I think it’s
Korra”

Bolin cuts in over the mumbling of the crowd with excitement,” Korra! You’re a natural!”

Mako gets up from his hit,” Thanks for the cheers bro…”

”Sorry Mako! I’m cheering for you, you know how I get!” said Bolin as he scratched the back of
his head.

”Yeah yeah always eager to make a friend, especially when it’s a good sparring buddy,” Mako
exasperated.

I am ruffling his feathers. Good. Korra began to think to herself. Its always good to get your
opponent over emotional and out of focus through it like anger. She was the Queen of frustration
back home and learned through time that strength and rage is not enough, especially in fighting a
ne opponent who's style is completely different from anything she's seen back home.

Mako rushed back in and they began: they punched, blocked, kicked, and moved in a tight
sequence of attacks at one another. She took more notice of how different his style was while
keeping up with both defending herself and attacking, and Mako was also adapting to her as
well. He's trying to wear me out with his attacks, but its not going to work. Korra was pure power
and strength along with being agile, endurance followed suit with her strengths as well when it
came to fighting. Mako's style was face paced, offensive, and defeinitley relied on his opponent not
to last with his fast paced non-stop hits. The breathing with his techniques were also the same. He
did short fast paced breathes in between each strike and breathed out all the air in his lungs he built
up on the strike. If anything, Mako's strength to this style was his weakness against Korra's. He
will be the one to tire out first.

Just like that as Korra was starting to get a good sweat in from their exhanges of blows, Mako's
pace began to slow, his breathing more rugged.

The times now!

Korra ran in on Mako, saw the surprise in his eyes as she rapidly closed in on him, She jumped up
in the air and went in for a kick that made contact. Mako tried desperately to block with his arm,
but with Korra's momentum and strength, she was able to kick through his block and make contact
to his helmet knocking him out.

As Mako laid still on the ground the Teacher began his countdown," 5.....4.....3" Mako stirred a bit,
"2...." Mako rolled over fully onto his back," 1! Korra's the winner!"

Mako slowly sat up as his Brother rushed to his side, Korra followed suit," You alright there?"
Korra said catching her breathe.
"Yeah I'm alright, those were some killer moves out there, Bolin's right," he said with a smile like
he was both defeated but excited as he rubbed the side of his head after taking off his helmet," you
are a natural."

"Thanks!" said Korra breathly," You were amazing yourself! I've never seen a style like yours
before, is it Fire Nation?"

"Not quite, its a mix of Bolin and I's family's along with some new style Republic City MMA."
Bolin chimed in lending his brother a hand in helping him up.

"MMA?" Korra cocked her head to the side while streching her arms out.

"Never heard of MMA? You must be very new to the City," said Bolin.

Mako then cut in to explain," MMA is Mixed Martial Arts, its a style that incorporates different
styles from all four nations along with being a more "competition friendly" style of fighting. It's
also more face paced compared to the more foundational styles."

"They have competitive matches out in Republic City?" Korra asked in awe.

"Of course they do, and THE HUGE fighting Dome is where some of the best from all over the
World and from the City come and compete!" said Bolin," This year is the year they'll broadcast
the fighters on the radio!"

The Teacher chimed in," That was some nice moves there young Avatar, I'll tell you in a week
from now how you can apply some of your credits towards the class for your grade overall, though
judging based off those moves and that fight, I think you'll do fine in this course," he gave her a
smile and gave her a solid pat on the shoulder and walked out of the class.

"Wait a minute....did he just say...", Bolin began, his eyes wide open turning his head towards
Korra his mouth open in shock.

" You're the Avatar?," asked Mako his eyebrows raised.

"Yeah, it's true," said Korra with her signature grin as she put her hand behind her head.

"Im an idiot for trying to go against you," said Mako with a laugh.

"Nah, you gave me a run for my money and a lot of insight of how much more I can learn!" said
Korra. " Bolin's been helping me out refining my hits too during class. I really do appreciate it." she
turned to Bolin and smiled.

" THE. AVATAR," Bolin looked at his brother and pointed at Korra.

"Sorry about my brother, what he means is, he is a huge fan of your past lives, especially Avatar
Aang," said Mako, "Quit being weird Bro," he hurriedly whispered towards his brother.

"Sorry sorry. It's true, I'm a big Avatar Aang fan," Bolin began," That and I wouldn't have guessed
that you were the Avatar. You just seemed like a cool Water Tribe Alpha gal. I was gonna see if
you wanted to join us in training outside of school on the weekends if you weren't to busy?"

Korra began to smile at the invitation. She was finally making some friends and Mako and Bolin
seemed to be her type of people too.
"Yeah, I should be free on weekends, you guys seem really cool and chill to hang and learn from,"
said Korra excitedly.

"That's so great to hear, I definitely thought the same about you," Bolin began," Mako..."

"I needed to see what you were made of before we just invite anyoneee," Mako said jokingly and
brought his tone back to a serious one," but you're definitely cool enough." Mako gave a reassuring
smile towards Korra.

"Well, I gotta catch you guys later, I have to get out of these training clothes and into my Uniform
and head to my next class, maybe catch you guys at lunch?" Korra asked.

"Yeah! Most certainly!" Bolin began.

"Bolin's been obsessed with Narook's Noodles after our World History class, we usually get there
sometime after. Its downstairs of the schools food court next to Ba Sen-Sationery." Mako rolled his
eyes as he began to get most of his fighting protection pads off.

"It's sooooo good and wakes me up every time after those lectures," says Bolin alrighty watering at
the mouth thinking about the noodles.

Korra laughed," I think that works out, I head out to lunch after this next class too. I personally
need a break from the Flame-o's myself. I'll see y'all there."

Korra waved at them and headed toward the Alpha's locker room a few rooms down from the
classroom. Good thing there's showers in here 'cause I need one. Korra thought to herself as she
stripped herself from her training clothes. She got a quick shower in and grabbed a towel This
school literally has everything covered. So fancy. she thought to herself and dried off and got her
uniform back on. As she got up from tying her shoes back on, a scent hit her nose.

An Alpha. As Korra turned her head to see who walked in, she suppressed a growl. Something
about this Alphas scent already had her frustrated. She caught herself and asked herself why would
she even start to get frustrated by someone she doesn't even know yet? As her eyes focused, she
saw another woman alpha with dark black hair tied in a long braid, her emerald eyes set and
pierced at Korra's with a cold stare, a beauty mark set below her eye. She wore a dark green
uniform with a silver tie that was more metallic in tone, and a symbol at the bottom of it. What
does that symbol mean? Korra's eyes flicked from the symbol back at the woman in the eyes. The
woman then rolled her eyes at Korra and made a barely audible scoff as she began to open her
locker.

I don't like her. Korra once again found herself suppressing another growl. Korra hurried out of the
locker room and towards her next class. Why did that girl set me off like that? Just cause she's
another Alpha? No. I've met plenty of other Alpha's and I've never had anyone set me off
from just walking in. Why? Korra began to think to herself deep in her mind as she maneuvered
through people in the hallways to get to her next class. It's because she's another Alpha just like
you. A voice in the back of her head said. What? Korra almost stopped in the middle of the
hallway by surprise. She pressed on towards her next class. The more I think of it, The Alpha
did smell like me but also different. It's no secret that Women Alpha's were rare around the
world. Why would that make Korra frustrated though? She reminds you how you first use to be as
an Alpha. You can smell it. I DON'T KNOW THAT Korra thought to herself angrily. Where was
this head voice coming from? It's different from just her regular inner thoughts that just pop up. It
feels different...whats going on?
Korra finally got to her Art class and decided to push her thoughts away and focus on the task
ahead of her. As she sat her seat she noticed that there were canvas's out today for everyone. She
then noticed two other dark green uniforms walk in the classroom. What made her focus even
more on those two with the green uniforms were the silver metallic ties, and there towards the base
end of the tie was that same symbol the girl in the locker room had. Korra inhaled deeply through
her nose to try and get a read, surprisingly, one was a Beta and the other of course with the skirt
was an Omega. The Beta was a male with long dark hair, as he turned around sitting to the right a
few seats down of Korra, she could see that part of his hair was dyed a bright green color. Thats
very...artsy.... . The Omega on the other hand, had short dark hair that fit perfectly around her
face. She sat next to the Beta, and when Korra saw her eyes they were a gorgeous green that Korra
could only compare to them as a sage like color. The girl must have sensed Korra looking at her
and made eye contact with Korra. Korra blushed at being caught looking and starring and hurriedly
dug through the new supplies set in front of her for the class.

Finally everyone was settled with a canvas in front of them. The Teacher then proceeded in closing
the door behind herself. Korra had to admit that this Art teacher was absolutely stunning. She was
an older Omega woman with long grey hair and stunning deep blue ocean eyes, a sign she was
definitely one of Water Tribe descent.

"Welcome again class," she began," Today I thought was a good day on introducing you to the
type of materials we will be working with for the rest of the semester. We will continue to practice
our still life's through this new medium, but for today, I would like you all to get accustomed,
practice, and explore with the paints on the canvas today. Needless to say, you're free to express or
explore whatever you'd like to convey on the canvas today. If you have any questions, don't
hesitate to ask!" she said as she headed towards her desk.

Everyone else in the class began to shuffle around the supplies, opening paints, pulling out pencils,
rulers, books, and some even changed their canvas longways instead of the vertical way it was
propped up before class started.

"I see some of you are thinking a little experimentally already changing your canvas in a landscape
orientation instead of portrait. Pretty bold," said the Teacher.

"Mrs. Kya can some of us go outside to paint?" said one of the students.

"You may but don't go to far off into campus and be aware of the time the class ends. I need you to
return the work before the class ends so you get your credit for the day."

That was all it took for half the class to head outside, and on such a gorgeous day Korra couldn't
blame them. In fact she half considered joining them. Apparently others were in the same boat
cause even more started to head out. Korra decided it would be nice to paint outside even though
she barely worked with any of these materials. By the time she got up to join the other's the
Teacher was behind three student behind Korra herself.

Mrs. Kya laughed," I guess the classroom is going outside today." As the rest of them all walked
out the classroom, Mrs. Kya locked the door behind herself. They met with the rest of their class
already set up with their canvas's on their easel's and were beginning. Korra followed suit.
Everything was set as she stood in front of her canvas pondering. She began looking around at
what the others were doing as most of them were either looking around like her, getting their paints
set up or mixed, or going at their canvas's already. I can paint whatever I want today. No still
life to focus on and try and portray on paper.

What in the world am I going to paint...

 Chapter End Notes

Happy to once again get the ball rolling on this and get some content uploaded. Sorry
its been long. Life happens and sometimes fun projects get held on the back burner.
Just glad to be back at it!

End Notes

Woo! I thought it was nice ending there on that note. Hope you guys are in for a good ride.
We are just at the very beginning of this story. Gonna make it long and fun.

Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!